Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 27th, 2020 4:04PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Marcus Waring,
Parks Canada
Rising temperatures coupled with a developing windslab hazard warrant caution despite the moderate - low hazard ratings.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. West wind 50km/h gusting 70. Freezing level rising to 1900m during the day.
Friday Night: 2-4 cm of snow . West wind 60km/h gusting 90.
Saturday. Partial cloud with isolated flurries. Up to 5 cm snow. Freezing Level 1400m.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Moderate West wind switching NW midday. Freezing level valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
Strong westerly winds continue to develop windslabs in lee areas. Surface windslabs sit on a variety of surfaces including old windslab, suncrust & the Feb.1 melt freeze crust. Expect windslabs to be more reactive on solar aspects particularly during warm temps on Friday. The midpack is strong, though weaker basal facets can be found in thin areas.
Avalanche Summary
No new observations.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
We are still seeing moderate wind transport as of Thursday, February 27th.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Warming temperatures on Friday and Saturday may make it possible to trigger weakness near the base of the snowpack in shallow areas.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 1st, 2020 4:00PM
